Wake, Johnston and 18 other North Carolina counties are getting federal assistance in the aftermath of the April tornadoes, the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced Friday.

Close to $1.5 million in loans and grants has been approved for 2,400 Wake business owners, homeowners and renters, said Tony Jones, spokesman for N.C. FEMA.

Johnston is receiving about $1 million, followed by Cumberland County, at $890,000.

Overall, FEMA approved $18.6 million for the 20 counties. Loans represent 60 percent of the total assistance, while the rest is grants, according to FEMA.

The $18.6 million comprises:

More than $11.2 million in low-interest loans for homeowners, renters and businesses.

More than $5.3 million in grants for temporary housing and home repairs.

Nearly $2.1 million in grants for replacing personal property and paying for disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other programs.

FEMA also approved $10 million as public assistance to local governments, state agencies and eligible nonprofit organizations. The assistance allows FEMA to fund 75 percent of tornado-related projects. The state covers the rest.

Tuesday was the deadline to register with FEMA.

regina.wang@newsobserver.com or 919-836-4918